What is mindfulness and why practice it?

 Mindfulness is a way in which we can be here now... fully present and aware in our moment to moment experiences with others and the world we live in. When we practice  mindfulness we learn to pay attention to our thoughts, feelings, body, and environment  with compassionate awareness.  We learn to observe our thoughts and emotions without engaging in them.  We learn to regulate our thoughts and feelings instead of becoming overwhelmed by them.

​​​

When we work with mindfulness, we work with our brain's neuroplasticity.   Neuroplasticity   is the brain's ability to adapt and to change in reorganizing  its structure , function, and connections throughout our lifetime.  So in practicing mindfulness we can form new neuropathways to help us in the regulation of our sympathetic nervous system also known as fight or flight response, to our parasympathetic nervous system, or  the rest and digest response, to help us get focused again to move us through our perceived challenges.

Just as the ocean waves ebb and flow with a natural rhythm, our breath, thoughts, feelings, and emotions follow their own patterns.

By taking a moment to sit on the metaphorical shore of observation, we can witness these waves within us. The practice of mindfulness allows us to see how our internal waves rise, peak, and eventually recede, bringing a sense of tranquility and understanding.

By observing without judgment, we gain insight into the temporary nature of our experiences and recognize the beauty in their constant motion.

This perspective can help us cultivate a greater sense of peace and resilience amidst life's inevitable changes.

​​

​